As India prepares to embark on a new chapter in Test cricket and the India tour of England 2025, former captain Virat Kohli reportedly held a private meeting in London with newly appointed skipper Shubman Gill, vice-captain Rishabh Pant, and a few other key players. According to a RevSportz report, the gathering lasted nearly two hours and took place on Monday, a rest day for the team following their intra-squad match in Kent.
While the exact nature of the discussion remains undisclosed, sources speculate it centred around leadership advice, team strategy, and managing the young squad in the high-pressure England series. Kohli, despite retiring from the format, appears committed to mentoring the next generation, signalling his continued influence on the team even from the sidelines.
A NEW ERA BEGINS AT HEADINGLEY
India’s Test squad will face England at Headingley, Leeds, on June 20 in the first of a five-match series—marking their return to red-ball cricket after the sudden retirements of both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
Kohli’s decision to retire, announced just weeks before the series, came as a shock to fans and experts alike. Known for his unwavering commitment to Test cricket, the 36-year-old’s abrupt exit was unexpected. In contrast, Rohit Sharma’s retirement had been anticipated, particularly after he voluntarily stepped aside for the Sydney Test earlier this year following a prolonged slump in form.
TEAM GEARS UP IN LEEDS; GAMBHIR TO REJOIN
The Indian squad is scheduled to arrive in Leeds on Tuesday, where they will regroup under the guidance of head coach Gautam Gambhir, who briefly returned to India due to a personal matter. The team will undergo final preparations and training sessions in the city over the next two days.
HARSHIT RANA RETAINED IN SQUAD AFTER THE INTRA-SQUAD MATCH
In another development, fast bowler Harshit Rana has been asked to remain in England. Initially not part of the main squad for the England series, Rana impressed during the intra-squad fixture and has now been retained as a backup option. The 22-year-old, who made his Test debut in Australia, played a single match for India A against the England Lions recently, taking one wicket and contributing 16 runs with the bat.
This summer marks a transitional period for Indian cricket, and all eyes will be on Gill and Pant as they attempt to steer the team forward in the challenging conditions of England—under the watchful gaze of a legend who helped shape Indian Test dominance.
